Good Game (2017 TV series)

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Good Game
GenreComedy
Created by
Written by
  • Sarah Carbiener
  • Erica Rosbe
Directed byDanny Jelinek
Starring
ComposerRyan Elder
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes6
Production
Executive producers
  • Arin Hanson
  • Brent Lilley
  • Steve Levy
  • Jen Roskind
  • Michael Waldron
  • Sarah Carbiener
  • Erica Rosbe
  • Jesse Cox
  • Michele Morrow
  • Dan Harmon
CinematographyAndrew Knapp
Editors
  • Andy Maxwell
  • Chris Poole
Running time25 minutes
Production companyStarburns Industries
Original release
NetworkYouTube Red[1]
ReleaseAugust 30 (2017-08-30) –
September 27, 2017 (2017-09-27)

Good Game is an American comedy series, developed by Michele Morrow and Jesse Cox, that premiered on August 30, 2017 on YouTube Red. In March 2018, it was announced that the show had been cancelled after one season due to low viewership, despite receiving mostly favorable reviews.

Premise

Good Game follows "a newly formed team of eSports players trying to make it to the top in the cutthroat world of competitive gaming."[2]

Cast and characters

  • Dan Avidan as Alex Taylor, the optimistic coach of the team and Ryland's roommate
  • Arin Hanson as Ryland Tate, a former DotA legend who tries to hide his embarrassing past
  • Michele Morrow as Ashley "Ash" Donovan, a video game reporter who relishes the chance to compete
  • Jade Payton as Samantha "Sam" Kinsey, a former Olympic tennis hopeful who began playing Killcore during rehabilitation from an injury
  • Rahul Abburi as Kamal Pasala, an obnoxious but vital part of the team.
  • Michael Ornstein as Lorenzo Santella Jr., Alex and Ryland's landlord and source of the team's funding
  • Oliver Cooper as "SteaminSemen", Ryland's adversary
  • Jesse Cox as Jesse Newman, the mysterious creator of Killcore

Production

Development

On June 22, 2017, it was announced during YouTube Red's presentation at VidCon that they had given the production a series order. The series was developed by Michele Morrow and Jesse Cox, executive produced by Dan Harmon, and expected to be showrun by Sarah Carbiener and Erica Rosbe. Production companies involved with the series were expected to consist of Starburns Industries.[2][3]

Cancellation

On March 25, 2018, Morrow announced through her official Twitter account that the show had been cancelled after one season due to low viewership.[4][5]

Casting

Alongside the initial series announcement, it was confirmed that the series would star Arin Hanson, Dan Avidan, and Michele Morrow.[2]

Release

On August 3, 2017, the official trailer for the series was released.[6][7][8][9]

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
1"The Return of Boogerboss"Danny JelinekSarah Carbiener & Erica RosbeAugust 30, 2017 (2017-08-30)
2"Everybody Calls Everybody a Nazi"Danny JelinekSarah Carbiener & Erica RosbeAugust 30, 2017 (2017-08-30)
3"Self Abuse (Not the Fun Kind)"Danny JelinekSarah Carbiener & Erica RosbeSeptember 6, 2017 (2017-09-06)
4"Don't Cross the Streams"Danny JelinekSarah Carbiener & Erica RosbeSeptember 13, 2017 (2017-09-13)
5"You Stab My Back I'll Stab Yours"Danny JelinekSarah Carbiener & Erica RosbeSeptember 20, 2017 (2017-09-20)
6"Blood Match"Danny JelinekSarah Carbiener & Erica RosbeSeptember 27, 2017 (2017-09-27)

Reception

In a positive review, Heavy's Jack Fennimore commended the series saying, "Good Game so far has me impressed. This was clearly a show made by game players, for game players, which is a rarity in most entertainment media. It also made me care about my YouTube Red subscription. And if you have a subscription, I definitely recommend checking the show out. It's going in a good direction and I can’t wait to see what happens to eSports People."[10] In another favorable critique, Fandom's Drew Dietsch praised the series saying, "The plot itself is a little threadbare, but it clearly gives Arin and Dan a chance to showcase their unique comedic chops. Game Grumps is known for its off-the-cuff ridiculousness, so it’s great that energy has been channeled into something structured. Creators Jesse Cox and Michele Morrow have done an excellent job in having their stars fit the material."[11] In a more mixed assessment, Cultured Vultures' Katrina Bertz described the series as "a poorly-crafted show with a profound message of individual happiness within. I would suggest watching this show with the knowledge that it won’t be good, but its theme will tug at your heartstrings. Just try to overcome your initial confusion and discover something wonderful."[12]

References

  1. ^ Aridi, Sara (September 1, 2017). "What's on TV Friday: 'Narcos' and 'Diana, 7 Days'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Petski, Denise (June 22, 2017). "YouTube Red Orders Series Produced By Dwayne Johnson, Dan Harmon & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  3. ^ Alexander, Julia (June 23, 2017). "YouTube, Dan Harmon are hopping on TV's newest trend with scripted esports comedy". Polygon. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  4. ^ Morrow, Michele [@michelemorrow] (March 25, 2018). ""@YouTube cancelled Good Game" #DisappointmentIn4Words" (Tweet). Retrieved May 26, 2018 – via Twitter.
  5. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20180630063257/https://twitter.com/michelemorrow/status/977965053138812930
  6. ^ Wilde, Tyler (August 3, 2017). "Watch the first trailer for the Dan Harmon-produced esports comedy series". PC Gamer. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  7. ^ McWhertor, Michael (August 3, 2017). "Watch the first trailer for Good Game from Dan Harmon and YouTube Red". Polygon. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  8. ^ Workman, Robert (August 3, 2017). "Rick And Morty Co-Creator Producing New Esports Comedy, Good Game". ComicBook.com. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  9. ^ Gutelle, Sam (August 4, 2017). "Game Grumps Offers Preview For 'Good Game' Ahead Of August 30 Premiere On YouTube Red - Tubefilter". Tubefilter. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  10. ^ Fennimore, Jack (August 30, 2017). "Good Game by Game Grumps Impressions: How Is the Show?". Heavy. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  11. ^ Dietsch, Drew (August 30, 2017). "'Good Game' Gives YouTube Stars Game Grumps Some Structure to Their Silliness". Fandom. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  12. ^ Bertz, Katrina (November 21, 2017). "Good Game: A Horrible Show and Why You Should Watch It". Cultured Vultures. Retrieved September 28, 2018.

External links